AI to be major focus for data science, business intelligence in firms: PwC report

AI to be major focus for data science, business intelligence in firms: PwC report

Artificial intelligence will be available for mass adoption in the domains of data science (9.6%) and business intelligence (7.8%) in industries and organisations, a report by consulting firm PwC has stated.

The report, titled 'Artificial Intelligence and Robotics â€“ 2017: Leveraging artificial intelligence and robotics for sustainable growth', analysed the areas in public and private industry where AI can be applied. It also identified policy initiatives that the government can employ to promote AI in the country.

The report highlighted that the cumulative economic impact of AI would be between $1.49 trillion and $2.95 trillion through 2025.

Other areas that will see increasing adoption of AI are product manufacturing, defence and security, financial services, logistics, travel, agriculture and more.

However, companies are unable to properly execute AI in their processes as the field requires research and innovation. This needs significant upfront investment before AI products can be made commercially viable.

Research in artificial intelligence also needs to take into consideration product design, engineering and production specifics such as material requirements, capacity planning, infrastructure requirements and costs so that it is easier to scale later.

Moreover, AI systems are relatively novel to users who will not immediately envisage the benefits from AI immediately.

Many startups in India are providing AI solutions. Besides, funds dedicated to investments in this field have also come up.